The regulatory landscape for medical devices is shifting quickly, and for UK manufacturers and contract engineers, the pressure to implement permanent, traceable marking on components and instruments has never been greater. Laser marking is increasingly the technology of choice and for good reason.
On the EU side, the Medical Device Regulation (MDR) has already begun reshaping marking requirements at pace. From 26 May 2025, UDI direct marking became mandatory for Class IIa and IIb reusable MDR-certified devices. This means that surgical instruments bearing MDR certification must now carry a Unique Device Identifier (UDI) marked directly onto the instrument itself, in a data matrix code (DMC) or barcode format that can be scanned and, where space permits,...
Core Technology Breakdown: How Does a Flying Laser Work? To transition from static to flying marking, you don’t just need a faster laser; you need a system that can “feel” the speed of your production line. This is achieved through the synergy of two components: the Sensor and the Encoder. A. The Sensor: The “Eyes” (Arrival Detection) The sensor is typically an infrared or photoelectric eye positioned upstream from the laser. Its Role:It tells the laser controller, “The product is here!” The Workflow:As the edge of a box or bottle breaks the sensor’s beam, it triggers the marking sequence. B. The Rotary Encoder: The “Brain” (Speed Tracking) This is the...